Tile experts can help with stone or tile flooring, ceramic or porcelain tile, tile mosaics and more to be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, outside patios and entranceways. Projects may include tile walls, floors, backsplashes, tub or shower enclosures, countertops and much more. Installers can tile small areas under 25 square feet or large areas over 200 square feet, and they can cover concrete, wood or drywall. Many pros can also remove existing tile or carpet and other nontile materials. Clients can provide the tile or the installation company can provide it. Several factors affect the cost of tile installation.
Type of tile
Tile prices range from under $1 to well over $50 per square foot, depending on the material, manufacturer and demand. For example, slate tiles cost much more than imitation stone. Selecting tiles with a higher cost per unit affects the total cost of a project. In addition, handmade tiles and nonuniform tiles can cost more to install because they must be hand prepped, or "back buttered," by applying mortar to the uneven components of the back of the tile to ensure that it lays flat. This process results in a higher labor cost.
Square footage
Some tile professionals charge for installation based on square footage. The cost per square foot varies, depending on where the tiles are installed, how large the surface area to be tiled is and other factors. Here are a couple pricing examples from W&B Villa Construction in Deerfield Beach, Florida:
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Wood-look tile installation in areas ranging from 6x24 feet to 8x48 feet: $3.20–$3.50 per square foot
- Prices drop with larger installation areas.
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Tile installation on 3x5-foot regular tub and shower walls with an 8-foot ceiling: $1,450
- Same tub and shower walls with tiles reaching up to a 10-foot ceiling: $1,650
Repair work
If the tile installation project is in an area that has had a leak, has mold damage or has a structural integrity issue, some contractors can repair the damage to prepare it for new tiles. The overall cost of the project will then increase to cover the added labor, materials and disposal of materials. According to W&B Villa Construction, it’s often necessary to repair the shower pan when retiling a shower. For example, improper installation of the shower liner—cutting and perforation instead of folding—can allow leaks to pass through tiles, and if the shower pan floor isn’t pitched prior to liner installation, water may not be able to drain properly if it leaks through the tiles. W&B Villa Construction charges $800–$1,600 for shower pan repair.
Surface prep
It’s easier to install tile on smooth, even surfaces. These types of jobs typically cost less because the installer has less prep work to do before laying the tile. Uneven floors, old flooring that must be removed and walls or counters that require additional steps beyond the standard preparation increase overall costs.
Location
Geographic location affects tile installation costs. Tile professionals in larger cities and regions with a higher cost of living typically charge higher rates for services.
